National Park College (NPC) presented the 2021 Outstanding Staff Member award to librarian
Kristin Quintanilla during employee recognition day Thursday, May 13.
Quintanilla’s career at NPC began as a work-study student while attending Garland
County Community College (GCCC) in 2002. She began working full-time as the library
academic technician in December of 2003 as GCCC transitioned to National Park Community
College (NPCC). Quintanilla completed her Associate of Arts degree in May of 2004
in the first graduating class of NPCC.
She continued her education online at the University of Arkansas to obtain her Bachelor
of Science in Education and at the University of Pittsburgh for her Masters of Library
and Information Science. While pursuing her degrees, Quintanilla was promoted to Assistant
Librarian in July 2008 and then to Librarian in August of 2010.
In addition to her duties as librarian, Quintanilla is a Title IX reporter for NPC
and is involved in the HLC and Online Learning committees. She also coordinates wellness
activities as part of the campus-wide Well Yes! program for employees.
A self-proclaimed “research nerd,” Quintanilla says helping students with research
projects and introducing them to the library’s databases is her passion. “That moment
when students go from being panicked about an assignment to realizing they can do
it usually shows on their faces and it makes me so happy.”
“Kristin embraces students and looks to readily assist them with their academic success,”
said Library Director Lynn Valetutti. “She welcomes the opportunity to serve the college
whenever possible.”
“I have observed her interactions with students and it is clear that they love and
appreciate her,” said Susan Millerd, campus counselor and faculty member. “Kristin
represents all that is good at NPC.”
Quintanilla said she was thrilled to be named Outstanding Staff Member. “While working
with students is a joy, it is heartening to receive acknowledgment from my peers,”
she said. “I love being in an academic environment. I have had many wonderful co-workers
through my years at NPC, and the atmosphere of learning and being able to ask questions
and share opinions with them and learn from them as part of my job is wonderful.”
